The Department of Health (DOH) advised the public not to kiss images performing “penitensya” during the Holy Week next week.
DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire warned the public during a press conference that public acts of penance, which include self-flagellation, flogging, crucifixion, among others may cause infection of wounds.
“Kung maari lang po sana na maiiwasan natin ang mga aktibidad kagaya po ng pagpepenitensya sa paraan ng pagpapako sa krus at iba pa upang maiwasan natin ang tetanus at nang pagkakaroon ng sugat at impeksyon,” she said.
Vergeire added that kissing of images in churches may also cause the transmission of the coronavirus.
“Iwasan po natin ang paghalik sa santo at santa at iba pang imahen o poon sa ating mga simbahan dahil maari pong itong maging paraan ng virus transmission,” she said.
The health undersecretary added that people should still wear face masks and get their Covid-19 vaccines during Holy Week. Ronald Espartinez